Giggs tips United to bounce back under Van Gaal

Ryan Giggs says Manchester United will be going all out to regain the Premier League title under Louis van Gaal next season - adding that he felt United were the biggest club the Dutchman has ever managed.

Van Gaal, who has won league titles at Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, is due to arrive at United's Carrington training ground next week after Netherlands' World Cup campaign, which ends with Saturday's third place play-off.

Some of the United squad have begun pre-season training under assistant manager Giggs and Albert Stuivenberg and Marcel Bout, added to the coaching staff by Van Gaal, as they prepare for a tour of the USA.

But although United finished only seventh last season under the management of David Moyes, Giggs - the most decorated player in the club's history - believes they will soon be back in the title race.

"Louis van Gaal won't be afraid of taking over Manchester United. He'll relish it. He has a clear philosophy and he sticks to that," Giggs said.

"He's been at huge clubs, but in my view this is the biggest. It's tough to win the league, but that's what we'll try to do. Everyone's excited. We had a disappointing season last season and everyone's keen to get us back to where we belong - and that's the top.

"He'll arrive here sometime between the start and middle of next week. Of course, it's not ideal: you want all your players and your manager together to start preseason.

"But in a World Cup year it can be like this, and I have to say preparations have gone well so far."

Giggs was speaking as United announced a friendly against Valencia at Old Trafford on August 12, the first home game for Van Gaal and new signings Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.

He added: "The whole of preseason is important, but the nearer you get to the first game in the Premier League the more sharpness you have in your game. You more or less know if you'll be involved in the first match, so you want to do well.

"Of course it will be Louis' first game at Old Trafford, and the same for Ander and Luke. It will be a great introduction for the new manager and players."